Is Willow Springs, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Willow Springs, MO — Water Quality Report
Willow Springs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,875 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Willow Springs's water
Willow Springs ranks #242 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Willow Springs relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.41 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Willow Springs, MO water safe to drink?
Willow Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,875 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Willow Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willow Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Willow Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Willow Springs's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Howell County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Willow Springs's water come from?
Willow Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,875 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Willow Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willow Springs's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Willow Springs's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Willow Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Willow Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH PERFORMANCE HOSE FACILITY POMONA, MO65789 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHowell County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Howell County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Willow Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Willow Springs ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Willow Springs's water comes from
Willow Springs's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,875 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Willow Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLOW SPRINGS PWS | MO4010862 | 2,250 | GW |
| HOWELL COUNTY PWSD 3 | MO4021164 | 1,625 | GW |
How Willow Springs compares
Full Missouri rankings →Willow Springs's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Willow Springs, MO
Wikipedia →Willow Springs is a city in Howell County, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains of the United States. The population was 2,164 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Willow Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Howell
Frequently asked questions
Is Willow Springs, MO tap water safe to drink?
Willow Springs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #242 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Willow Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Willow Springs's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Willow Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Willow Springs's water come from?
Willow Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,875 residents.
What health violations has Willow Springs's water system had?
Willow Springs has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Willow Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Willow Springs uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 13 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Willow Springs's water compare to other cities?
Willow Springs ranks #242 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 52% of state cities) and #5971 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.